The British journal of surgery
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Cost-effectiveness of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation or surgery as treatment for primary varicose veins from the randomized CLASS trial.
The treatment of patients with varicose veins constitutes a considerable workload and financial burden to the National Health Service. This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) compared with conventional surgery as treatment for primary varicose veins. ⋯ The results suggest, for patients considered eligible for all three treatment options, that EVLA has the highest probability of being cost-effective at accepted thresholds of willingness to pay per QALY.
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A small subset of patients may develop late-onset palsy of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) after thyroid surgery. However, no conclusive data have been published regarding the incidence of, and possible risk factors for, this complication. ⋯ Late-onset palsy of the RLN was diagnosed in a small subset of patients after thyroid surgery, and recovery of nerve function occurred less frequently than in patients with early-onset RLN palsy.
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Observational Study
Impact of faecal occult blood test screening on emergency admissions and short-term outcomes for colorectal cancer.
Small studies have examined the effect of faecal occult blood test (FOBT) screening on the proportion of hospital admissions for colorectal cancer (CRC) classed as an emergency. This study aimed to examine this and short-term outcomes in persons invited for screening compared with a control group not invited. ⋯ People who participated in FOBT screening had fewer emergency admissions and a shorter LOS. Deprivation was associated negatively with participation, but the impact of FOBT participation on emergency admissions was independent of deprivation level. The reduction in LOS has potential to reduce financial costs.
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Review Meta Analysis
Meta-analysis of the effect of postoperative in-hospital morbidity on long-term patient survival.
Major surgery is associated with high rates of postoperative complications, many of which are deemed preventable. It has been suggested that these complications not only present a risk to patients in the short term, but may also reduce long-term survival. The aim of this review was to examine the effects of postoperative complications on long-term survival. ⋯ Postoperative complications have a negative effect on long-term survival. This relationship appears to be stronger for infectious complications.